Kim Bushnell
October 2025
Kim
Bushnell
,
DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Executive Administrative Office
Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital
Richmond
,
VA
United States
She is a remarkable leader whose work has always been defined by integrity, purpose, and true servant leadership.
It is our true honor to recognize Kim Bushnell with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Over her remarkable 45-year career as a Registered Nurse, Kim has dedicated herself to elevating practice, supporting her colleagues, and truly shaping the future of nursing. She is a remarkable leader whose work has always been defined by integrity, purpose, and true servant leadership.
In her just two and a half years at St. Mary’s, it quickly became clear how extraordinary Kim’s leadership truly is. She leads with both strength and heart, setting high expectations for excellence, integrity, and patient care, yet she makes those expectations feel inspiring rather than intimidating. Those who work with her feel trusted, respected, and supported.
What makes Kim unforgettable is not only her impressive professional accomplishments, such as Magnet designations, safety improvements, quality outcomes, and scholarly contributions, but also the way she makes people feel. She has served the profession in many different capacities, including CNO, Vice President, Manager, Administrative Director, Nursing Professor, Flight Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and staff nurse, to name just a few.
Kim is approachable, wise, and steady, even in the most challenging times. She is a champion for evidence-based practice and nursing shared governance. She listens deeply, coaches with compassion, and always makes time for her team, no matter how busy she is. Her presence brings calm and clarity.
Kim is also a fierce advocate for patients, for nurses, and for doing the right thing. She never hesitates to have hard conversations if they are needed to improve care or advocate for nursing. In fact, one of her well-known sayings when uncovering the real issue is, “Now that is a different conversation.” That courage and integrity have shaped the culture and elevated nursing practice at St. Mary’s in a relatively short time, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
For Kim, leadership has never been about a title. It has always been about people. She has devoted her career to growing others, lifting them up, and helping them flourish. Because of her mentorship, countless nurses have found their voice, stepped into leadership roles, and discovered new dimensions of their own professional strengths. Her influence will echo in the lives of the nurses she has developed, the patients they serve, and the communities they impact.
Kim’s career is a living testament to what it means to serve with compassion, courage, and conviction. After 45 years in nursing, her journey reflects the very heart of the profession. As she retires, she leaves not just a record of achievements, but a legacy of love, leadership, and inspiration.
In her just two and a half years at St. Mary’s, it quickly became clear how extraordinary Kim’s leadership truly is. She leads with both strength and heart, setting high expectations for excellence, integrity, and patient care, yet she makes those expectations feel inspiring rather than intimidating. Those who work with her feel trusted, respected, and supported.
What makes Kim unforgettable is not only her impressive professional accomplishments, such as Magnet designations, safety improvements, quality outcomes, and scholarly contributions, but also the way she makes people feel. She has served the profession in many different capacities, including CNO, Vice President, Manager, Administrative Director, Nursing Professor, Flight Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and staff nurse, to name just a few.
Kim is approachable, wise, and steady, even in the most challenging times. She is a champion for evidence-based practice and nursing shared governance. She listens deeply, coaches with compassion, and always makes time for her team, no matter how busy she is. Her presence brings calm and clarity.
Kim is also a fierce advocate for patients, for nurses, and for doing the right thing. She never hesitates to have hard conversations if they are needed to improve care or advocate for nursing. In fact, one of her well-known sayings when uncovering the real issue is, “Now that is a different conversation.” That courage and integrity have shaped the culture and elevated nursing practice at St. Mary’s in a relatively short time, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
For Kim, leadership has never been about a title. It has always been about people. She has devoted her career to growing others, lifting them up, and helping them flourish. Because of her mentorship, countless nurses have found their voice, stepped into leadership roles, and discovered new dimensions of their own professional strengths. Her influence will echo in the lives of the nurses she has developed, the patients they serve, and the communities they impact.
Kim’s career is a living testament to what it means to serve with compassion, courage, and conviction. After 45 years in nursing, her journey reflects the very heart of the profession. As she retires, she leaves not just a record of achievements, but a legacy of love, leadership, and inspiration.